Giants see versatility in former Rutgers standout Joe Martinek

Jim O'Connor-US PRESSWIREGiants offensive coordinator Kevin Gildbride said former Rutgers standout Joe Martinek projects as a fullback in the NFL, but brings some versatility to the position.

After going undrafted, former Rutgers fullback Joe Martinek said he was in contact with Buccaneers – and former Rutgers – head coach Greg Schiano, but chose the Giants because it "was the better fit for me."

Martinek, a Hopatcong naitive, said he didn't grow up a fan of any particular NFL team, but his friends and family are big fans of the Giants and he views being close to home as an advantage.

Now that he's got his chance, he's looking to make the most of it.

"I think my first impression was good," the converted fullback said. "I got to get into the playbook -- the different terminologies are frustrating at times but you got to get into the playbook, got to remember and just follow the schedule and do whatever you're asked to do."

Martinek is one of eight undrafted free agent signings at rookie minicamp this weekend and Gilbride said he projects the former tailback as a fullback, though he maintained Martinek brings versatility to the table.

"That fullback position is so versatile depending on who it is that's playing," Gilbride said. "But if he ever became the fullback, I think you would probably expand the movement in terms of taking him out of the backfield and putting him into that detached position that sometimes the tight ends will go to and see if he can catch the ball and do some things."